Unnecessary restrictions on Gulf of Mexico seismic surveys would threaten our nation’s energy, economic, environmental, and national security, and along with it the health and well-being of families, small businesses, and citizens all across the country.

Dear Dr. Lewandowski,

As the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) considers the conditions that should govern Gulf of Mexico seismic surveys, I urge BOEM not to impose new and unnecessary restrictions on such activities and to instead adopt Alternative A of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.

Seismic surveys are critical to the development of Gulf of Mexico energy, a resource that will continue to be vital to meeting the energy needs of families, small businesses, and citizens throughout the country. Seismic surveys help us to better understand the extent and location of our offshore energy resources, and support the development of oil and natural gas, renewables, and sand and gravel, the latter of which supports coastal restoration activities. When development ultimately takes place, survey data helps ensure more effective activity, to the benefit of American energy consumers and the environment alike.

Seismic surveys are also safe and compatible with a healthy Gulf and other uses. As the Interior Department previously acknowledged, seismic surveys have been taking place for decades, including in the Gulf of Mexico, without any evidence of adverse impacts on marine animal populations, commercial fishing, or coastal communities. Furthermore, the proposed restrictions would directly impact the ability to explore for Gulf energy resources, and without any added overall benefits as BOEM’s draft environmental review concluded.

A sensible energy policy that helps ensure access to affordable, reliable domestic energy for years to come must include the ability to effectively and efficiently explore the Gulf’s offshore resources. To ensure our long-term energy, economic, and national security, I therefore urge BOEM not to impose new and unnecessary restrictions on Gulf exploration, and instead to adopt Alternative A.